For years now, bridal magazines, photographers, YouTube 'gurus' and blogs have been touting airbrush makeup as a 'must have' for brides on their wedding days. Claims that it is a long-lasting, natural-looking foundation that makes your skin look like perfection have all brides clamoring for it, even to the extent where they will only hire a makeup artist that offer this technique. But as a professional makeup artist with almost 20 years of experience under my belt, I have seen the pros and cons of airbrush makeup. Here are my thoughts on the whole debate...

Airbrush makeup, while easy for a trained professional to apply, is not formula-specific for more than one skin type. So if my client has very oily or dry skin, it's not nearly as effective as a foundation that is made for those specific skin types. It won't control oil, and it won't hydrate dry skin. Also, if you have very textured or more mature skin, I find it has a tendency to settle into fine lines and wrinkles, effectively aging the client. Since it's only sprayed and not actually worked into the skin like a traditional foundation, it can initially look great, but then gravity takes it's toll, and, BAM, all of those textural tiny flaws in your skin really stand out. Anyone over 35, take note, and don't be offended if I try to steer you away from airbrush. I don't even use it on myself.

Your skin itself, and this is a big factor...Makeup can cover color, but not texture. What does that mean? It means that if you suddenly get a zit the day before your wedding, we can cover the redness but the bump will still be there. If you have the slightest bit of facial hair, even baby fine, airbrush makeup can make it look more prominent than it is. So please, please, pretty please with sugar on top, take great care of your skin leading up to your big day. If you have acne, see a dermatologist. Flaky skin? Exfoliate and moisturize daily, even if you have oily skin. Peach fuzz? Own up to it and try dermaplaning to get rid of it. While we might seem like magical fairy godmothers with glitter, makeup artists are not a walking version of Photoshop. Give us a great canvas and we'll give you a great makeup.

Maybe it's because I am old-school, but I often prefer to 'hand paint' my clients, even though it takes me longer than simply blasting a client's face with my Iwata compressor and gun. I carry an arsenal of different foundations in my kit, including Armani, Face Atelier, MAC, Urban Decay and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics which allows me to custom blend a foundation specifically for their skin type, coloring, and the effect they want, such as matte, natural or radiant finish. It also allows me to use the least amount of product necessary to get the coverage they want. With the correct application technique, priming and finishing products, any foundation will give an 'airbrushed' or flawless appearance and should feel light on your skin. And as for the claim that airbrush makeup lasts all day? Any experienced artist will have a treasure trove of primers and setting sprays that will make all of your makeup last for at least 12 hours!

Don't get me wrong- airbrush makeup, when properly applied, is great on certain clients! But when consulting with your makeup artist (Notice I said your makeup artist, not your wedding planner or BFF or Pinterest) about your wedding day makeup, ask them what your options are, and which one would suit your skin the best. Like your wedding itself, it's not a 'one size fits all' technique.

Complexion- RCMA Foundation applied in a stippling motion using a damp Beauty Blender

When I initially met Sarah Linneman for her bridal makeup trial, she had very fair skin and dark hair. By the time her wedding rolled around, she had added some gorgeous highlights to her hair and had gotten some healthy color with an airbrush tan. Those changes inspired me to switch her initial lipstick choice from a bright fuchsia to a warmer brick red. Luckily she was on board for anything and trusted me to make these last minute adjustments, and we both agreed her results were beautiful! I love a bold lip on a bride, it looks amazing in pictures, and a really adds a sophisticated Red Carpet vibe to your look.

For this lip look, we used my Luxury Lipstick in Dita. Get yours here: http://rachellisa.com/shop/luxury-lipstick